Sb2O3 nanorods were successfully prepared via a mild hydrothermal route based on the reactions between SbCl3 and NH3-H2O in aqueous solution at 120-180 degrees C for 12 h. The as-prepared Sb2O3 nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelctron spectroscopy (XPS). Results showed that NH3-H2O played a significant role in the formation of Sb2O3 nanorods. The presence of NH3-H2O could greatly favor the reaction progress toward the right-hand side and led to the orientation growth of Sb2O3 nanorods. A possible mechanism for the formation of Sb2O3 nanocrystallites was discussed. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.